14 WHARFEDALERS GO TO NORTHERN IRELAND APRIL 2022
The Northern Ireland Coastal Causeway Route had long been the list of a few Wharfedale members, so once the idea was floated it didn’t take long to build a head of steam for the trip. The booking was done through Scenic Car Tours who were superb throughout. Due to availability the bookings had to be made quickly. The standard Scenic tour is 4 nights, we added on an extra night, and it still wasn’t enough……..
The Coastal Route goes from Carrickfergus, up to Coleraine following the coast road, then back to Belfast via Derry or direct if you want. Our schedule was 1 night in Carrickfergus, 2 nights in Coleraine and 2 nights in Belfast
The outbound sailing was Holyhead to Dublin departing at 9am on Sunday 24th April. Because of the early sailing we stayed over in Holyhead on Saturday 23rd April, meeting at Bodnant Gardens on the way across. This place itself is well worth a visit.
Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny, the crossing was calm, but there was just enough movement to make some of the group a bit wobbly.
We docked in Dublin at 12.15 and proceeded to drive to Carrickfergus. This took approximately 3.5 hours, taking the Mountains of Mourne scenic route, arriving in Carrickfergus around teatime.
The route
Mountains of Mourne Coast Road
On Monday morning after a quick look around Carrickfergus we set off for the drive to Coleraine, and what a drive it was. The weather was fantastic with blue skies all the way. We stopped off at various locations on the way. The Gobbins, where there is a walkway out over the sea was unfortunately fully booked. Port Muck (yes really) up to Torr Head, was absolutely stunning, we then continued on to our hotel in Coleraine.
Coleraine Castle, with a few of the group, just before setting off. It was a bit nippy that morning.
Port Muck
Coast Road heading up to Torr Head
Torr Head
Lodge Hotel Coleraine
Tuesday again was bright and sunny, we decided to back track a few miles to cover areas and locations we had to leave out on the way up to Coleraine, such as Giants Causeway, Dark Hedges, Dunluce and Dunseverik Castles, and various little towns and bays. There was also the Rope Bridge at Carrick-a-Rede, but that was closed due to lack of staff. We also visited Portrush and Portstewart, just West of Coleraine, again great spots, preparations were in full swing for the North West 200 bike race, which is due to take place from 8th to 14th May.
Giants Causeway and his Boot
Dark Hedges, could have done with a few leaves.
Ballycastle
Whitepark Bay
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
Wednesday, saw us preparing to leave Coleraine and head to Belfast. The group split here, some deciding to head to Belfast via Derry, Omagh and Antrim, others taking a more direct route via Lough Neagh and Hillsborough Castle. We all arrived at the Belfast Hotel late afternoon or teatime.
Derry
Omagh
Thursday our last day was spent in Belfast. The group split up, some opting for the Titanic Exhibition, others for the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, and some, the open top bus tour of the city. There is just so much to see and do.
Titanic Museum
Goliath
Botanic Gardens
Beacon Of Hope Structure
Rise - 2 globes cast in white steel, symbolizing the rising of the sun, and new hope for Belfast's future.
One of the many murals around the city, this one of Bobby Sands.
Queens University Belfast
One of a number of gates around the city that are locked every night from 6pm until 6am.
Friday, early rising to get the 10.30 ferry from Belfast to Birkenhead, an 8 hour crossing. Much to everyone’s relief the crossing was very smooth.
Everyone agreed that the tour had gone beyond expectations, with some stunning sights and scenery, helped of course by the superb weather.